Peter Letzmann Associates

Raising the Standards of Government

MICHIGAN'S OPEN MEETINGS ACT

A presentation of the Act, potential penalties to
you and the governmental entity for violations of
the Act, what public bodies are subject to the act,
the notice requirements for a meeting, places to
conduct meetings, keeping minutes, and when a
public body may go into a closed meeting. Recent
court cases are also discussed.

CIVIL RIGHTS AND OTHER LIABILITIES

An overview of the types of liabilities facing
public officials and governmental entities. This
presentation reviews federal civil rights, state
civil, federal criminal, state criminal, and
administrative law cases, the immunities and
defenses. How to prevent or minimize such claims,
and how to "fight back" are parts of this
presentation.

Specific versions of this presentation are
available for elected officials, law enforcement
personnel, fire fighters, sheriff departments,
health departments, building officials, public
works employees, court personnel, and other
government units.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

An introduction to telecommunication issues.
Includes the applicable Constitutional provisions,
the Michigan Telecommunications Act and other
statutes, the federal Telecommunications act,
cellular tower issues, cable issues, franchise and
franchise fees.

LEGAL FRAMEWORK OF MUNICIPALITIES -CITIES, VILLAGES
AND TOWNSHIPS

The genesis of local units of government, the
constitutional and statutory authorities, the
separation of powers, the checks and balances, the
inter-relationships between the various
governments.

MICHIGAN'S FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

A discussion of the penalties for violation of the
Act; what is a public record, a writing, and public
body; time limits to respond, fees that may be
charged, person to make the decisions, exempt
records, notice requirement after denials. Current
cases dealing with the FOIA are also included.

RECORD RETENTION

A primer for clerks and others responsible for
retaining public records. Review the statutes and
other authorities dealing with records and record
retention, the record schedule promulgated by the
Secretary of State's office, and some practical
suggestions.

ALCOHOL IN THE WORKPLACE

Examines the liability and other negative
consequences of the use and possession of alcohol
in the work place, the on-duty and off-duty
considerations, the policy to be established, the
standards to be applied, and methods of
enforcement.

LAW ENFORCEMENT FUNCTION FOR COMMAND OFFICERS

An in depth discussion of the function to be
accomplished by the law enforcement agency, a look
at the forest as well as the trees, the sources of
duties and limitations by law of law enforcement
officials and officers, including the constitutions
and Michigan statutes, court decisions.

CRIMINAL LAW IN A NUTSHELL

A review of the major areas of criminal law facing
law enforcement officers today, including arrest,
search and seizure, interrogation and confession,
and other current topics. Emphasis on recent court
decisions and changes in the law.